Our Vision

Smart Start of New Hanover County envisions every child entering school with the health, family support and early education necessary to succeed.

• All families will receive the support and education that they need in order to have healthy children with necessary preventive and routine health care;
• Every child will grow up in an environment that is free of abuse, neglect and violence;
• Families and their children will have the necessary assistance in their efforts to reach their full potential;
• Affordable, quality early education will be available to all families, as appropriate, meeting individual child and family needs;
• New Hanover County corporate, philanthropic and community leaders will make quality early childhood services for children and their families a priority.

Our Mission

Smart Start of New Hanover County seeks to build bridges to develop, sustain and enhance health, family support and early education services for all children, ages birth to five.

Our Beliefs

• The well being and success of every child is critical regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or developmental and learning disabilities;
• The quality of life for young children is basic to adult well-being and the future economic vitality of our community;
• Parents are a child's first and most important teachers;
• A broad community-based partnership committed to young children should be available to assist parents in their role as primary caregivers;
• The community has the responsibility to provide effective strategies and services to support early education, as well as the development of mentally and physically healthy children.

 

Accountability

As part of a state legislated and funded program, Smart Start of New Hanover County adheres to strict monitoring and evaluation standards. In order to track progress and evaluate outcomes and results, a Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS) was created at the state level as a guide for Smart Starts across the state. More than 20 criteria have been established in four key areas– administration, early care and education, health and family support. These standards focus our work and resources in targeted ways that truly impact a child’s readiness for kindergarten.